Method and apparatus for delivery cart movement start and energy recovery

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating the energy required by an operator of a delivery cart to start the cart moving in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed as well as to recover some or all of the energy used to start the cart moving. The apparatus includes a cart, a drive wheel, a motor for driving the drive wheel, and a rechargeable energy source to power said motor where the rechargeable energy source is recharged during normal, unpowered movement of the cart. The method includes charging a power source while moving the cart, actuating a directional button to initiate movement in a desired direction, energizing a clutch to couple the motor to the driven wheel, energizing the motor to drive the driven wheel in the desired direction. After a predetermined time period, set by a run timer, the clutch is decoupled while the motor remains activated, and thereafter the motor is deactivated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to carts and, more particularly, toward delivery carts having means for facilitating movement thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

During an assembly process, it is frequently necessary to deliver parts to the assembly line. The parts are generally delivered to the assembly line by material handling personnel. The material handling personnel load a part transportation cart with the appropriate parts, and the loaded carts are then delivered to the appropriate workstation along the assembly line. The delivery process often involves towing the carts to the workstation. However, the line-side area of most assembly lines is very crowded and does not allow for the exact placement of a parts cart by a towing rig. Therefore, once the carts reach the assembly line, the carts must be manually moved by the material handling personnel to the correct line-side position for ease of access by the assembly line personnel.

A problem arises in that the carts can be very heavy and difficult to move. This is especially so when the carts are loaded with parts. Therefore, there exists a need or a method and apparatus to make it easier to start moving loaded carts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reducing or eliminating the effort required by an operator of a delivery cart to start the cart moving as well as to recover some or all of the energy used to start the cart moving.

More specifically, an apparatus according to the present invention is adapted for use in conjunction with a part holding cart and includes a drive wheel, a motor for rotatably driving the drive wheel, and a rechargeable energy source to power the motor. The apparatus further includes an assembly for recharging the rechargeable energy source through rotation of the drive wheel, and a clutch disposed between the motor and the drive wheel to permit the drive wheel to spin freely when not being powered.

In further accordance with the present invention, a method for operating a cart includes energizing the motor and engaging the clutch to drive the drive wheel and initiate movement of the cart, operating a run timer and, when the run timer times-out, sequentially disengaging the clutch and de-energizing the motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cart used for transporting materials with a motor drive and energy recovery unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a rear view of the wheel unit of the delivery cart with the motor drive and energy recovery unit affixed thereto;

FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a side view of the wheel unit of the delivery cart with the motor drive and energy recovery unit affixed thereto; and,

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the cart's circuitry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in accordance with its preferred embodiments. The description with reference to the figures is intended to simplify the explanation of the invention and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The invention will be described in conjunction with a part transportation cart. This is not meant to limit use of the invention to such a car, as the invention can be used with any assembly having wheels which is at least in part human-powered.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus 100 for cart movement and energy recovery according to the present invention is incorporated into a cart assembly 102, and includes a motor drive and energy recovery unit 106 and a power control unit 108.

The delivery cart assembly 102, which includes a part carrying basket 110 and a plurality of wheels 112, is illustrated as having four vertical walls, a horizontal floor and an open top surface. A handle 104 is affixed to an exterior side of one of the vertical walls of the basket 110 to facilitate manual movement and steering of the cart 102. The wheels 112 are attached to a bottom side of the horizontal floor of the carrying basket 110. Preferably, two of the wheels 112 are swivel-mounted to permit turning of the cart, while one or more of the remaining wheels 112 is a powered or drive wheel 114.

The power control unit 108 is located along a vertical wall of delivery cart assembly 102 near the handle 104. A forward button 150 and a reverse button 152 (FIG. 3) are provided by the power control unit 108 at a location that is convenient for the operator, such as adjacent to or on the handle 104. The power control unit 108 is electrically connected to the motor drive and energy recovery unit 106 and adapted to control energization thereof, as will be apparent from the following description.

The motor drive and energy recovery unit 106 includes the drive wheel 114, a motor 116, a right angle gear reduction unit 118, a run timer 120, a generator assembly 121, a disengaged power supply circuit 124, a battery 126, a mounting assembly 127, a clutch 128, a clutch control circuit 136, and a motor energizing circuit 137.

The mounting assembly 127 includes a mounting plate secured to the underside of the basket 110 from which extend first and second drive wheel supporting brackets 129 a, 129 b, and a pair of generator assembly support arms 131. A generator bracket 135 is adjustably mounted to the support arms 131 so as to properly position the friction drive wheel 140, described hereinafter, relative to the drive wheel 114. Each of the drive wheel supporting brackets 129 a, 129 b have bearings 133 mounted thereon to rotatably support the drive wheel shaft 132, as described hereinafter.

An output shaft (not shown) of the motor 116 serves as an input to the gear reduction unit 118. An output shaft 134 of the gear reduction unit 118 serves as an input to the clutch 128, while an output shaft of the clutch 128 serves as a drive wheel shaft 132 that is affixed to the drive wheel 114. As such, the drive wheel 114 is selectively coupled to the motor 116 through the gear reduction unit 118 and the clutch 128.

The clutch 128 is preferably an electrically actuated magnetic clutch having a coil 130 a and a drive plate 130 b. The coil 130 a is attached to the output shaft 134 of the gear reduction unit 118 and, when energized, engages or couples the drive plate 130 b, which is secured to the drive wheel shaft 132, to the output shaft 134 and thereby forces the drive wheel shaft 132 to rotate with the output shaft 134 of the gear reduction unit 118. The clutch 128 selectively couples the drive wheel 114 to the motor 116 in response to control signals provided by the power control unit 108 via the clutch control circuit 136, described hereinafter.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the interconnection of the drive wheel 114 with the motor 116 through the gear reduction unit 118 and clutch 128 is shown in more detail. The drive wheel 114 is located on the bottom side of the horizontal floor of the basket 110 between the first and second drive wheel support brackets 129 a, 129 b. The drive wheel shaft 132, which is affixed to and extends from the clutch drive plate 130 b, is rotatably supported by the bearings 133 disposed in the first and second drive wheel support brackets 129 a, 129 b. As such, the drive wheel 114, drive wheel shaft 132, and clutch drive plate 130 b are secured to one another for common rotation about an axis defined by the drive wheel shaft 132.

The gear reduction unit 118 and clutch 128 allow the drive wheel 114 to be selectively coupled to the motor 116 so as to be either driven by the motor or to be free-wheeling. Therefore, the drive wheel 114 is coupled to the motor 116 when the clutch 128 is engaged to permit the motor 116 to drive the drive wheel 114, but is de-coupled from the motor 116 when the clutch 128 is disengaged to permit the drive wheel 114 to freely rotate.

The engagement or coupling of the clutch drive plate 130 to the gear reduction unit output shaft 134 by the clutch 128 is electrically actuated by the clutch control circuit 136. The clutch control circuit 136 is energized by the battery 126 through the run timer 120 when one of the directional buttons 150, 152 is actuated, as will be clear from the following discussion.

The generator assembly 121 includes the generator 122, the generator mounting bracket 135, the friction drive wheel 140, and a rectifier 142 (FIG. 3). The friction drive wheel 140 is mounted upon a generator shaft 141 such that the friction drive wheel 140 and generator 122 rotate as a unit on the generator shaft 141. Rotation of the generator shaft 141 drives the generator 122, causing the generator 122 to generate a current that flows to the rectifier 142 where it is selectively passed through to the battery 126, charging the battery 126. The battery 126 is also connected to a line voltage battery charger 123 (FIG. 3) to permit the battery to be charged via line voltage when the cart is not in use.

The friction drive wheel 140 is in frictional engagement with the outer circumference of the drive wheel 114 such that the friction drive wheel 140 is rotated by the drive wheel 114. The friction drive wheel 140 is preferably made from a high friction material that enhances rotational engagement between the friction drive wheel 140 and the drive wheel 114. Additionally, engagement between the friction drive wheel 140 and the drive wheel 114 can be adjusted via the mounting of the generator assembly bracket 135 and the generator support arms 131 so that the friction drive wheel 140 engages the drive wheel 114 with sufficient pressure to prevent or minimize rotary slippage therebetween.

The power control unit 108 allows the operator to activate the assisted cart motion apparatus 100. The operator activates the apparatus 100 using either the forward button 150 or the reverse button 152, depending on the desired direction of cart 102 motion. The directional buttons 150, 152 are electrically connected to the motor energizing circuit 137 through the run timer 120, and through a directional diode 158 (for the reverse button 152).

With reference to FIG. 3, the electrical circuit of the motor drive and power recovery apparatus 100 according to the present invention is illustrated.

The disengaged power supply circuit 124 includes a disengaged power relay RLY3, a disengaged power capacitor 144, and a variable resistor 146. The disengaged power relay RLY3 is energized via the run timer and electrically connects the motor 116 to the battery 126 upon actuation of the forward button 150. The disengaged capacitor 144 stores energy and supplies current to continue energizing the disengaged power relay RLY3 for a period of time after the run timer 120 has timed-out. As such, the disengaged power supply circuit 124 allows the motor 116 to run briefly after the clutch 128 is de-energized to disengage the motor 116 from the drive wheel 114.

The clutch control circuit 136 includes a clutch relay RLY1 that is energized by an output of the run timer 120 and supplies current to the clutch coil 130 a to engage the clutch 128 whenever one of the forward or reverse buttons 150, 152 is actuated.

The motor energizing circuit 137 includes a motor relay RLY2, which has normally closed contacts electrically connected to the motor to energize the motor 116 to operate in the forward direction and normally open contacts that, when closed, energize to operate the motor 116 to operate in the reverse direction. The motor relay RLY2 is energized by actuation of the reverse button 152, described hereinafter, to switch the direction of motor operation. The motor energization circuit further includes a motor capacitor 138 and variable resistor 139 that cooperate to supply power to the energized motor relay RLY2 to maintain reverse-operation of the motor 116 for a predetermined period of time after the run timer 120 times out.

The battery 126 is electrically connected to the run timer 120 through the closed contacts of the forward button 150 or the reverse button 152. When neither button 150, 152 is actuated, the battery 126 is not connected with the run timer 120.

When the forward button 150 is pushed to initiate forward motion, power from the battery 126 is supplied to the run timer 120, and the run timer 120 energizes the relay RLY1 of the clutch control circuit 136 via clutch diode 148, thereby energizing the clutch coil 130 a and mechanically coupling the motor 116 to the drive wheel 114, as discussed previously. Battery power is also supplied from the run timer 120 to the disengaged power supply circuit 124, energizing the disengaged power supply relay RLY3 to close its contacts and supply battery power, via the normally closed contacts of the motor relay RLY2, to the motor 116, which operates in the forward direction. Current supplied to the disengaged power supply capacitor 144 charges the capacitor 144, and provides a store of energy that is later used to continue energizing the disengaged power supply relay RLY3 so as to supply battery power to the motor 116 when the run timer 120 times out.

The run timer 120 energizes the clutch 128, and connects the motor 116 to the battery 126 (via the disengaged power supply circuit 124) for a predetermined amount of time after actuation of the forward button 150. After the predetermined amount of time, the switch provided by the run timer 120 opens, cutting off power to the clutch relay RLY1 and to the disengage power supply circuit 124. Cutting off power to the clutch relay RLY1 causes the relay contacts to open, de-energizing the clutch coil 130 a and de-coupling the drive wheel 114 from the motor 116.

When the run timer 120 times-out, cutting power off to the disengage power supply circuit 124, the disengage power supply capacitor 144 continues to provide current to the disengage power supply relay RLY3, thereby maintaining power supply to the motor 116 via the normally closed contacts of the motor relay RLY2. Once the capacitor 144 discharges (which is a variable time based upon the setting of the variable resistor 146), the contacts of the disengage power supply relay RLY3 open, and power to the motor 116 is cut off.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the motor 116 continues to operate for a period of time during and after the clutch 128 decouples the drive wheel 114 from the motor 116, and thereby prevents the motor 116 from being a drag on movement of the cart 102 during the interval in which the clutch 128 is decoupling.

On the other hand, when the reverse button 152 is actuated to initiate rearward motion, battery power is supplied to the run timer 120 via the diode 154, and the run timer 120 energizes the relay RLY1 of the clutch control circuit 136 via clutch diode 148, thereby energizing the clutch coil 130 a and mechanically coupling the motor 116 to the drive wheel 114, as discussed previously. Current flows through the reverse button 150, via the diode 156, to the coils of the motor relay RLY2 and to the motor capacitor 138. The motor relay RLY2 is energized to close its normally open contacts. Simultaneously, current supplied to the motor capacitor 138 charges the motor capacitor 138, and provides a store of energy that is later used to continue energizing the motor relay RLY2 when the run timer 120 times out.

Power is also supplied from the run timer 120 to the disengaged power supply circuit 124, energizing the disengaged power supply relay RLY3 to close its contacts and supply battery power to the motor 116 via the normally open contacts of the motor relay RLY2, and thereby energizes the motor 116 to operating in the reverse direction. Current supplied to the disengaged power supply capacitor 144 charges the disengage power capacitor 144, and provides a store of energy that is later used to energize the disengage power supply relay RLY3 when the run timer 120 times out and cuts off power to the disengaged power supply circuit 124. It will be noted that the supply of power to the clutch control circuit 136 and the disengaged power supply circuit 124 when operated in the reverse direction is generally identical to operation in the forward direction, described hereinbefore.

The run timer 120 provides current to the clutch 128 and the motor 116 (via the disengaged power supply circuit 124) for a predetermined amount of time after the reverse button 152 is actuated. After the predetermined amount of time, the switch provided by the run timer 120 opens, cutting off power to the clutch relay RLY1 and to the disengage power supply circuit 124. Cutting off power to the clutch relay RLY1, causes the contacts of the relay RLY1 to open, and de-energizing the clutch coil 130 a and de-coupling the drive wheel 114 from the motor 116.

When run timer 120 times-out, cutting power off to the disengage power supply circuit 124, the disengage capacitor 144 continues to energize the disengage power supply relay RLY3, thereby maintaining power supply to the motor 116 via the normally open contacts of the motor relay RLY2. Once the capacitor 144 discharges (which is a variable time based upon the setting of the variable resistor), the contacts of the disengage power supply relay RLY3 open, and power to the motor 116 is cut off.

Similarly, when run timer 120 times-out, power to the motor relay RLY2 is supplied by the motor capacitor 138, which maintains the normally open contacts of the motor relay RLY2 closed for a predetermined amount of time (which is variable based upon the setting of the variable resistor 139). When the motor relay capacitor 138 is completely discharged, the motor relay RLY2 is de-energized and returns to its normal condition.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, the present invention is directed toward power-driving the drive wheel 114 for a predetermined time period to overcome the inertia of the resting cart 102. Once the inertia is overcome and the cart 102 is in motion, the operator effort required to move and direct the cart 102 is sufficiently reduced. Accordingly, the run timer 120 cuts off power to the drive wheel 114 once a sufficient amount of time has passed for the cart 102 to be moving at a predetermined speed in the desired direction. The sufficient amount of time is the predetermined time the run timer 120 allows the motor 116 to remain energized and coupled to drive wheel 114.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, when the cart 102 is being moved in a forward direction such as when being towed or manually pushed, the friction drive wheel 140 and generator shaft 141 cooperate to turn the generator 142, which generates a current that passes through the rectifier 142 and into the battery 126, thereby charging the battery 126. When the cart is moved in a rearward direction, the current generated by the generator is of a reverse polarity, and does not pass the rectifier 142.

It should be noted that the delivery cart apparatus 100 is illustrated as having only one drive wheel 114, however the apparatus 100 can have a plurality of drive wheels 114. Further the drive wheels 114 can be driven by a single motor 116 or they can each have a dedicated motor 116.

While the present invention has been described with particularity herein, it is considered apparent that the present invention is capable of numerous modifications, substitutions, and rearrangements of parts without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the particular preferred embodiments described hereinbefore, but rather only defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1. An apparatus for initiating movement of a wheeled cart, wherein said apparatus comprises: a control assembly; a drive wheel, wherein said drive wheel is one of a plurality of wheels of the wheeled cart; a motor, wherein said motor is electrically connected to said control assembly such that said control assembly is operable to activate said motor to operate in either a forward direction or a rearward direction, and wherein said motor is selectively coupled to said drive wheel to drivingly rotate said drive wheel in either the forward direction or the rearward direction based upon the activation by said control assembly; a clutch, wherein said clutch is selectively energized to couple said drive wheel to said motor and thereby drivingly rotate said drive wheel, and is selectively de-energized to decouple said drive wheel from said motor and thereby permit said drive wheel to freely rotate; and a run timer, wherein said run timer is energized to count down upon activation of said motor to drive said cart in the forward direction or rearward direction, and wherein at an end of a predetermined time period, said run timer times-out and de-energizes the clutch to decouple the motor from the drive wheel; a rechargeable battery, wherein said rechargeable battery is connected to said motor and is adapted to be recharged when said drive wheel is rotated while said motor is deactivated and decoupled from said drive wheel; and a generator, wherein said generator is electrically connected to said battery and is mechanically coupled to said drive wheel so as to generate a current to charge the battery by the rotation of the drive wheel while the motor is deactivated and decoupled from said drive wheel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a disengaged power supply circuit that is operable to maintain power to said motor during a time in which said clutch is decoupling said drive wheel from said motor.
 3. A method for initiating movement of a cart, wherein said method comprises the steps of: activating a run timer that energizes a clutch to couple a motor to a drive wheel; activating the motor to drive the drive wheel via the clutch; de-activating the run timer after a predetermined time period to de-energize the clutch while said motor remains activated; and, de-activating the motor.
 4. A method for operating a cart having a movement start and energy recovery system, wherein said method comprises the steps of: moving said cart by exerting an external force on said cart which causes a plurality of wheels to rotate, said plurality of wheels including a drive wheel, wherein said external force is exerted on the cart from a source external from the cart; recharging a rechargeable power source of said cart while said cart is moved by the external force; wherein the recharging of the rechargeable power source comprises the steps of: rotating a friction drive wheel, said friction drive wheel being in frictional engagement with said drive wheel; turning a generator with said friction drive wheel, said generator generating a current; and supplying the current to the rechargeable energy source and thereby recharging said rechargeable energy source; removing said external force from said cart causing said cart to stop moving; activating a run timer that energizes the clutch to couple a motor to a drive wheel; and, after a predetermined time period de-activating the run timer to de-energize the clutch, while said motor remains activated; and, de-activating the motor.
 5. An apparatus for initiating movement of a cart, wherein said apparatus comprises: a control assembly; a drive wheel; a motor, wherein said motor is electrically connected to said control assembly such that said control assembly is operable to activate said motor to operate in either a forward direction or a rearward direction, and wherein said motor is selectively coupled to said drive wheel to drivingly rotate said drive wheel in either the forward direction or the rearward direction based upon the activation by said control assembly; a rechargeable battery, wherein said rechargeable battery is connected to said motor and is recharged during unpowered operation of said apparatus; a generator assembly including a generator and a friction drive wheel, wherein said friction drive wheel is driven by said drive wheel so as to cause said generator, which is electrically connected to the battery, to generate a current to charge said battery; a run timer, wherein said run timer is energized to count down upon activation of said motor to drive said cart in the forward direction or rearward direction, and wherein at an end of a predetermined time period, said run timer times-out and de-energizes the clutch to decouple the motor from the drive wheel; and, a disengaged power supply circuit that is operable to maintain power to said motor as said clutch is decoupling said drive wheel from said motor, said disengaged power supply circuit including a capacitor that is charged during activation of said motor to operate in the forward or rearward directions, and that begins to discharge when said run timer times-out, whereby discharging of the capacitor supplies power to said motor for a predetermined period of time to permit said clutch to decouple while said motor remains activated; wherein said clutch is selectively energized to couple said drive wheel to said motor and thereby drivingly rotate said drive wheel, and is selectively de-energized to decouple said drive wheel from said motor and thereby permit said drive wheel to freely rotate. 